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Definition of oneself

oneself

/wʌnˈsɛlf/
one · self
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oneself Lexical Profile

oneself Game Scores & Validity

• pronoun

1

Used as the reflexive object of a verb or preposition when the subject is the indefinite pronoun "one" (or an implied general person), referring back to the person affected by their own action.

Example

"It is important to give oneself enough time to recover after a demanding project."

2

Used intensively to emphasize the indefinite pronoun "one" or a person's own agency without assistance from others.

Example

"To truly ensure the task is done properly, one must often do it oneself."

3

One's normal, healthy, or customary state of mind or physical condition.

Example

"After days of exhaustion, it takes a quiet weekend to feel like oneself again."

Word Nuance & Usage

"Oneself" is the standard reflexive and intensive form corresponding to the indefinite pronoun "one" in formal register; in less formal American English, "himself" or "herself" (or "themselves") is sometimes substituted after "one", though style guides generally recommend maintaining consistency with "oneself".

• Rhymes for oneself

• Nearby Words

onega
oneness
onerous
oneself
onesie
onetime
ongoing

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Early Modern English as a compound of the indefinite pronoun "one" and "self", originally written as two separate words or with a possessive ("one's self") before coalescing into a single reflexive pronoun.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oneself. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oneself
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